Alabama residents have until Monday, Oct. 19, to register to vote in the Nov. 3 midterm elections, with deadlines varying by how an application is submitted.
Online applications must be submitted before 11:59 p.m. Monday. Paper applications delivered in person must reach the county Board of Registrars before the close of business, while mailed applications must be postmarked no later than Monday, according to the Alabama secretary of state’s 2026 voter guide.
Secretary of State Wes Allen is urging eligible residents to register and encouraging voters already on the rolls to check their information before the election.
“I encourage all eligible Alabamians to register to vote or verify their voter registration status ahead of the General Election in November. Take the time now to make sure you are registered, informed, and ready to vote on November 3,” Allen said in a statement.
The deadline applies to registering for the election, not simply checking an existing registration. Voters can verify their registration and find their polling place through the state’s online voter information tool at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/VoterView.
Residents can register or update their information at AlabamaVotes.gov. Online registration requires a valid Alabama driver’s license or nondriver identification card. Residents also can download a paper application and mail or deliver it to the Board of Registrars in their county of residence.
Voters whose names or addresses have changed should submit a new registration form before the deadline, according to the state voter guide. Those with questions about their registration or a recent move should contact their county Board of Registrars.
Submitting an application does not automatically complete registration. The county Board of Registrars must review and approve it. Applicants can check their status online or contact their county office to confirm approval, according to the state guide and election information published by the University of Alabama.
To qualify, applicants must be U.S. citizens, live in Alabama and be at least 18 on or before Election Day. They also must not be barred from voting because of a disqualifying felony conviction or have been declared mentally incompetent by a court. People whose voting rights have been restored may register if they meet the other qualifications.
Alabama closes voter registration during the 14 days before an election and on Election Day. Residents who will turn 18 after Monday’s deadline but on or before Nov. 3 may apply before turning 18, provided they meet the registration deadline.
The November ballot includes races for governor, U.S. Senate, all seven of Alabama’s U.S. House seats and seats in the Alabama Legislature, along with other state and local offices.
Separate deadlines are approaching for voters who qualify to vote absentee. County absentee election managers must receive mailed absentee ballot applications by Oct. 27. The deadline to return an application in person is Oct. 29.
Absentee ballots returned in person must reach the county absentee election manager by the close of business Nov. 2. Most absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by noon on Election Day. Separate rules apply to qualifying military and overseas voters.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 3. Alabama generally requires voters to present an accepted form of photo identification, with exceptions and alternative procedures outlined in the state voter guide.
Residents with registration questions can contact their county Board of Registrars or the secretary of state’s Elections Division at 334-242-7210.